Celebrating Disability Pride Month: USTA Florida Remains Committed to Adaptive Tennis Growth
As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, USTA Florida highlights efforts in the adaptive tennis community to further the sport’s accessibility. This month, USTA Florida had the pleasure of supporting community events focused on giving adaptive athletes the chance to enjoy tennis.
In Tallahassee, the SportsAbility Alliance has been a cornerstone for adaptive sports and tennis, hosting weekly sessions every Thursday night throughout July. This initiative has been running successfully for ten years, welcoming all ages of players. USTA Florida helps the SportsAbility Alliance by providing free equipment and support to ensure these sessions run smoothly and as many people as possible can attend.
The program is structured to cater to both youth and adult participants. The first hour is dedicated to adaptive youth, allowing young players to learn and enjoy the game in a supportive environment. The second hour welcomes adaptive adults, giving them an environment to connect with others through their shared love of tennis.
This year saw a fantastic turnout each week, with participation from both new and returning players. The sessions not only provided a platform for skill development but also helped these athletes make social connections.
On July 25, USTA Florida was proud to be part of the Disability & Adaptive Recreation Expo in Jacksonville. This event was a vibrant celebration of adaptive sports and activities, offering attendees the chance to try a variety of adaptive sports, including tennis, archery, volleyball, surfing, and bicycling. USTA Florida set up a booth and a tennis court, giving participants hands-on experience with adaptive tennis.
The expo was also highlighted by Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, as she proclaimed July 26 as ADA Day in the city, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. This recognition underscored the significance of the event and the ongoing efforts to promote accessibility and inclusivity.
Looking ahead, USTA Florida is excited to host the Adaptive Unified Doubles National Qualifier on August 24 and 25. This event will bring together teams consisting of one adaptive player and one non-adaptive player, competing in Unified Doubles format.
The top two teams from this qualifier will advance to the National Championship in Orlando later this year. Registration for the event is free.
As Disability Pride Month concludes, USTA Florida remains dedicated to promoting adaptive tennis and supporting athletes with disabilities. The events of this past month have demonstrated how the power of sports bring people together, break down barriers, and create lasting positive change. USTA Florida looks forward to continuing this important work and expanding opportunities for adaptive athletes in the future.